The Continuum of Support for Building Intimacy Knowledge in College for Students With Intellectual Disability

Intellect Dev Disabil. 2021 Dec 1;59(6):472-486. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-59.6.472.

Abstract

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs allow for college students with intellectual disability to experience a higher level of autonomy in choice making, which they may not have experienced in their family home or high school. This includes choice making related to romantic and sexual relationships. The Continuum of Support for Intimacy Knowledge in College Survey (CoSIK-C) was used to examine how PSE programs support college students in building their intimacy knowledge. Types of resources and services used to build intimacy knowledge and the frequency and context in which support was provided were identified and varied across programs. Implications for practice and future research are provided.

Keywords: intellectual disability; intimacy; postsecondary education; sexuality education.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Schools
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Students
  • Universities